# thermodynamics

> branch of physics concerned with heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy

**Wikidata**: [Q11473](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11473)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thermodynamics

## Summary
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics concerned with heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy. It is a foundational science that explains how energy is transferred and transformed in physical systems. It underpins major scientific and engineering disciplines and is essential to understanding energy conversion, efficiency, and equilibrium.

## Key Facts
- Thermodynamics is a **branch of physics** and **academic discipline**.
- It is part of **physical science** and **physics**.
- Thermodynamics is concerned with **heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy**.
- It is classified under the **Wikidata description**: “branch of physics concerned with heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy.”
- Thermodynamics is part of **physics**, which is a broader field of **natural science** and **physical science**.
- It is connected to **statistical thermodynamics**, **chemical thermodynamics**, **biological thermodynamics**, and **quantum thermodynamics**.
- Thermodynamics is **notable for** its foundational laws:
  - **Zeroth law of thermodynamics**: principle stating if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with another, they are with each other.
  - **First law of thermodynamics**: statement of conservation of energy as it applies specifically to a thermodynamic system or process.
  - **Second law of thermodynamics**: law of physics stating that systems spontaneously evolve towards states of higher entropy.
  - **Third law of thermodynamics**: law of physics stating that the entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is exactly equal to zero.
- Thermodynamics is part of the **thermal physics** branch of physics.
- It is **preceded by** the **caloric theory**, an obsolete scientific theory of heat flow.
- Thermodynamics is **related** to:
  - **Nicolas Carnot**, often called the "father of thermodynamics" (1796–1832).
  - **Jeremy England**, an American physicist known for his work on self-organizing systems and thermodynamics.
  - **Max Planck**, a German theoretical physicist (1858–1947).
  - **James Prescott Joule**, English physicist and brewer (1818–1889).
  - **William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin**, British physicist and engineer (1824–1907).
- It is associated with **152 sitelinks**.
- It has a **Wikipedia title**: **Thermodynamics**.
- It is also known by aliases: **thermo-dynamics**, **thermal science**, **pyro-dynamics**.
- It is part of the **physics** field and **physical science**.
- It is an **instance of**:
  - **academic discipline**
  - **branch of physics**
- It is a **subclass of**:
  - **physical science**
- It has structured properties including:
  - **P18**: Heat engine summary.png
  - **P373**: Thermodynamics
  - **P486**: D013816
  - **P646**: /m/07chm
  - **P935**: Thermodynamics
  - **P1036**: 536.7
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  - **P935**: Thermodynamics
  - **P1482**: https://physics.stackexchange.com/tags/thermodynamics
  - **P2572**: Thermodynamics
  - **P2581**: 00076867n
  - **P6802**: Carnot engine (hot body - working body - cold body).jpg

## FAQs

### What is thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that studies heat, work, temperature, and the transfer of energy. It is concerned with how energy moves and changes form within physical systems and is foundational to many scientific and engineering fields.

### What are the fundamental laws of thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics is governed by four laws:
- **Zeroth law**: If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are in equilibrium with each other.
- **First law**: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
- **Second law**: The entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time.
- **Third law**: The entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is zero.

### What fields or disciplines is thermodynamics related to?
Thermodynamics is part of **physics** and **physical science**. It is foundational to **statistical thermodynamics**, **chemical thermodynamics**, **biological thermodynamics**, and **quantum thermodynamics**. It is also related to **aeronautics**, **engineering**, and **materials science**.

### What historical theories preceded thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics succeeded the **caloric theory**, an obsolete scientific theory of heat flow.

### What are some key figures in the history of thermodynamics?
- **Nicolas Carnot** (1796–1832), often called the "father of thermodynamics."
- **James Prescott Joule** (1818–1889), who contributed to the first law of thermodynamics.
- **William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin** (1824–1907), who helped formulate the laws of thermodynamics.
- **Max Planck** (1858–1947), who contributed to quantum thermodynamics.
- **Jeremy England**, an American physicist known for his work on self-organizing systems and thermodynamics.

### What are some key concepts and equations in thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics includes foundational concepts such as:
- **Clausius–Clapeyron relation**: relation between vapour pressure and temperature.
- **Antoine equation**: thermodynamic equation.
- **Stefan-Boltzmann law**: physical law on the emissive power of black body.
- **Boyle's law**: experimental gas law.
- **Charles's law**: describes how gases expand when heated.
- **Avogadro's law**: equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure have the same number of molecules.
- **Gibbs paradox**, **Gibbs' phase rule**, **Landau theory**, **Ehrenfest equations**, **Onsager reciprocal relations**, and **Prigogine's theorem** are also key concepts.

### What are some applications of thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics is applied in:
- **Heat engines and refrigeration systems**
- **Chemical reactions** (chemical thermodynamics)
- **Biological systems** (biological thermodynamics)
- **Quantum systems** (quantum thermodynamics)
- **Materials science** (equation of state, thermal physics)
- **Engineering and energy systems**

### What are the major branches or subfields of thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics includes several subfields:
- **Statistical thermodynamics**
- **Chemical thermodynamics**
- **Biological thermodynamics**
- **Quantum thermodynamics**
- **Equilibrium thermodynamics**
- **Thermal physics**

## Why It Matters
Thermodynamics is essential for understanding how energy is transferred and transformed in physical systems. It provides the foundational framework for many scientific and engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental science. Its laws govern everything from the efficiency of engines to the behavior of gases and the stability of matter. Thermodynamics also plays a critical role in modern technologies such as refrigeration, power generation, and materials science. Its principles are used in designing engines, understanding climate systems, and advancing nanotechnology and biophysics. The field has evolved from historical theories like the caloric theory and continues to influence modern physics and applied sciences.

## Notable For
- Being a **branch of physics** concerned with **heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy**.
- Having foundational laws that govern energy transfer and transformation.
- Being part of **physical science** and **physics**.
- Being preceded by the **caloric theory**.
- Being foundational to **statistical thermodynamics**, **chemical thermodynamics**, **biological thermodynamics**, and **quantum thermodynamics**.
- Including key figures like **Nicolas Carnot**, **James Prescott Joule**, **William Thomson**, and **Max Planck** in its development.
- Being related to equations like the **Clausius–Clapeyron relation**, **Stefan-Boltzmann law**, **Boyle's law**, and **Avogadro's law**.
- Being foundational to **engineering**, **materials science**, and **energy systems**.
- Having a **Wikipedia title**: **Thermodynamics**.
- Being part of the **physics** field and **physical science**.
- Being an **instance of**:
  - **academic discipline**
  - **branch of physics**
- Being a **subclass of**:
  - **physical science**
- Having structured properties including:
  - **P18**: Heat engine summary.png
  - **P373**: Thermodynamics
  - **P486**: D013816
  - **P646**: /m/07chm
  - **P935**: Thermodynamics
  - **P1482**: https://physics.stackexchange.com/tags/thermodynamics
  - **P2572**: Thermodynamics
  - **P2581**: 00076867n
  - **P6802**: Carnot engine (hot body - working body - cold body).jpg

## Body

### Definition and Scope
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics concerned with heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy. It is foundational to understanding how energy is transferred and transformed in physical systems. It is part of the broader field of **physics** and **physical science**.

### Classification and Relationships
Thermodynamics is:
- A **branch of physics**
- A **subclass of physical science**
- Part of **thermal physics**
- Preceded by the **caloric theory**, an obsolete scientific theory of heat flow.
- Related to:
  - **Statistical thermodynamics**
  - **Chemical thermodynamics**
  - **Biological thermodynamics**
  - **Quantum thermodynamics**
  - **Equilibrium thermodynamics**

### Historical Context
Thermodynamics evolved from the **caloric theory**, which was an obsolete scientific theory of heat flow. It was succeeded by the modern understanding of energy transfer and transformation.

### Key Figures
Thermodynamics has been shaped by several notable individuals:
- **Nicolas Carnot** (1796–1832), often called the "father of thermodynamics."
- **James Prescott Joule** (1818–1889), who contributed to the first law of thermodynamics.
- **William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin** (1824–1907), who helped formulate the laws of thermodynamics.
- **Max Planck** (1858–1947), who contributed to quantum thermodynamics.
- **Jeremy England**, an American physicist known for his work on self-organizing systems and thermodynamics.

### Laws of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is governed by four fundamental laws:
- **Zeroth law of thermodynamics**: principle stating if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with another, they are with each other.
- **First law of thermodynamics**: statement of conservation of energy as it applies specifically to a thermodynamic system or process.
- **Second law of thermodynamics**: law of physics stating that systems spontaneously evolve towards states of higher entropy.
- **Third law of thermodynamics**: law of physics stating that the entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is exactly equal to zero.

### Applications and Subfields
Thermodynamics is foundational to:
- **Statistical thermodynamics**
- **Chemical thermodynamics**
- **Biological thermodynamics**
- **Quantum thermodynamics**
- **Equilibrium thermodynamics**

### Equations and Concepts
Thermodynamics includes foundational concepts and equations:
- **Clausius–Clapeyron relation**: relation between vapour pressure and temperature.
- **Antoine equation**: thermodynamic equation.
- **Stefan-Boltzmann law**: physical law on the emissive power of black body.
- **Boyle's law**: experimental gas law.
- **Charles's law**: describes how gases expand when heated.
- **Avogadro's law**: equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure have the same number of molecules.
- **Gibbs paradox**, **Gibbs' phase rule**, **Landau theory**, **Ehrenfest equations**, **Onsager reciprocal relations**, and **Prigogine's theorem** are also key concepts.

### Related Fields
Thermodynamics is related to:
- **Physics**
- **Physical science**
- **Engineering**
- **Materials science**
- **Energy systems**

### Structured Properties
Thermodynamics has structured properties including:
- **P18**: Heat engine summary.png
- **P373**: Thermodynamics
- **P486**: D013816
- **P646**: /m/07chm
- **P935**: Thermodynamics
- **P1482**: https://physics.stackexchange.com/tags/thermodynamics
- **P2572**: Thermodynamics
- **P2581**: 00076867n
- **P6802**: Carnot engine (hot body - working body - cold body).jpg

### Aliases
Thermodynamics is also known as:
- **thermo-dynamics**
- **thermal science**
- **pyro-dynamics**

### Wikidata and External Identifiers
Thermodynamics is identified by:
- **Wikidata ID**: Q14632398
- **Wikipedia title**: Thermodynamics
- **Wikidata description**: branch of physics concerned with heat, work, temperature, and thermal or internal energy
- **Structured properties** include:
  - **P18**: Heat engine summary.png
  - **P227**: 4059827-5
  - **P244**: sh85134783
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  - **P373**: Thermodynamics
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  - **P486**: D013816
  - **P646**: /m/07chm
  - **P672**: G01.906
  - **P691**: ph116437
  - **P935**: Thermodynamics
  - **P1417**: science/thermodynamics
  - **P1482**: https://physics.stackexchange.com/tags/thermodynamics
  - **P2572**: Thermodynamics
  - **P2581**: 00076867n
  - **P6802**: Carnot engine (hot body - working body - cold body).jpg

### External Links
Thermodynamics is linked to:
- **Wikipedia**: Thermodynamics
- **Wikidata**: Q14632398
- **Stack Exchange**: https://physics.stackexchange.com/tags/thermodynamics

### Sitelink Count
Thermodynamics has a **sitelink count of 152**, indicating its widespread recognition and use across multiple platforms and languages.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q788016)
3. Nuovo soggettario
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
6. BabelNet
7. UMLS 2023
8. National Library of Israel
9. KBpedia
10. [thermodynamics · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/thermodynamics)
11. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)